Precision Out Of The Backfield
September 4th, 2012
The whole signing of running back D.J. Ware this weekend is very intriguing and exciting on many levels, primarily because it puts rookie offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan’s skills on a bigger fire.
The Bucs are now loaded in the backfield, with four guys possessing diverse strengths. Hopefully Sullivan isn’t Greg Olson and will use the four backs creatively, effectively and without being predictable.
In Joe’s research on Ware, Joe found this high praise of the running back from Eli Manning a few weeks ago via the Associated Press.
Quarterback Eli Manning said Ware is not only good on third down, he also is a good blocker.
“We feel he’s our best route runner out of the backfield and catches the ball well,” Manning said. “Hopefully, that’s a role where you can get catches to him (on) third-and-short or third-and-4 or 5, or you can get the ball out of the backfield, have him run a route and get first downs for you. I think that’s something that he’s worked hard on and understands our concepts and how to get open versus different techniques.”
Joe likes hearing that Ware is precise and intelligent on third down. Ware caught 27 balls for the Giants last season, most of the third-down variety Manning referenced. Earnest Graham and Cadillac Williams were so effective over the past two seasons on third down for Josh Freeman. Graham especially, always knowing how to keep the chains moving.
Nobody knows whether LeGarrette Blount or Doug Martin can be proficient in those “3rd-and-manageable” situations that the Bucs are likely to see more of this year with the addition of Carl Nicks and Martin. Hopefully both will get a shot to prove themselves in those scenarios.
But the addition of Ware is another reason the Bucs’ offense should hum. Those extra one or two first downs a game Ware’s experience could provide might mean the difference between wins and losses. If nothing else, he’s surely a big step up from Kregg Lumpkin.
September 4th, 2012 at 1:08 pm
Just heard Bryant McKinnie may be released by the Ravens over a contract dispute. They want him to restructure and take less money. If Rockstar is prudent and I mean right now offer a trade and take on Bryant McKinnie and his $3.2 million contract.
September 4th, 2012 at 1:24 pm
Mckinnie is in no way a “buccaneer” man. He’s big and lazy which is why the Ravens are trying to reduce his salary. You can not count on him and off the field the guy is a bum. No way are the Bucs going to be interested… unless Schiano is not a man of his word.
September 4th, 2012 at 1:35 pm
Schiano seemed to have an effect on Talib so far, maybe Schiano is what Bryant needs. If not cut him like Vandervelde. Can’t hurt to bring him in.
September 4th, 2012 at 1:36 pm
I am excited about Ware. He is a great blocker. Unfortunately, my room mate is a Giants fan so I have watched ware a lot. My only concerns are the same as Joe, can Sullivan use all backs effectively without being predictable. I’d love to see them line up smith in the backfield motion him out wide and get him the ball in space. that dude’s speed is mesmerizing.
September 4th, 2012 at 1:45 pm
It’s unfair to compare, even indirectly or complimentary, Ware to Lumpkin. Lumpkin was so bad, you should call Ware right now to apologize for any association.
Bryant McKinnie does nothing for us. We should be finding a way to trade for a RG though. There’s a crack in the dam on the right side and everyone knows it. Expect overload blitzes from that side forcing Freeman to roll to the ever-so awkward non-throwing arm side.
September 4th, 2012 at 1:56 pm
Also this:
Danny Ware, Running Back
You can call him Danny or D.J. but you can no longer call him a Giant. In a mild surprise the G-Men decided to cut ties with the former undrafted free agent who got on the field for 348 snaps (including the postseason). He never lit it up as a rusher, but his skills in pass protection were evident, and that’s what could see him latch on to another team. Obviously, for New York that wasn’t enough to keep him on the roster, but then not every team has Ahmad Bradshaw and David Wilson on the depth chart. http://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2012/09/01/cuts-who-can-contribute/
September 4th, 2012 at 3:44 pm
If they really want to get Ware involved without upsetting the balance they should try Ware at the fullback position. He already possesses the blocking skills necessary. Plus they can have two backs on the field at once. Some NFL teams used the fullback position similar to the T.E. position. The difference is the fullback doesn’t play up on the line of scrimmage like a traditional T.E. I.E. Frank Wychek, Cory Schlesinger, and Mike Alstott. Word is, the Skins are now using Chris Cooley in a hybrid FB/RB/TE position.
September 4th, 2012 at 4:19 pm
“If nothing else, he’s surely a big step up from Kregg Lumpkin.”
Joe, you took the words right out of my mouth brother.
Every running back we have right now is different, and they do what they do extremely well. This season will be fun to watch.
Daily follower from Albany, Ny
go bucs
Joe actually lived in Albany for a short time. Never broke 20 degrees that January.—Joe
September 4th, 2012 at 4:41 pm
Chris Cooley was released by Washington last week, aside from that I get what you’re saying, Capt.
September 4th, 2012 at 4:43 pm
Capt. Jean Lafitte, just because a back can block in pass-pro doesn’t mean he’s able to lead into a hole on an iso play in the run game.
Didn’t Wash. cut Chris Cooley?
September 4th, 2012 at 5:45 pm
Yes, they cut Chris in favor of Niles Paul but they tried Chris at FB in the preseason. Word is he doesn’t have the legs to drive through opponents anymore.
September 4th, 2012 at 5:57 pm
@Mike J
I’m not suggesting that Ware would be a good penetrating FB. That’s Lorigs job. But since we don’t have a backup FB, Ware could spot play as a receiving FB and share the field with Martin or Blount at the same time. Instead of just a 3rd down only specialist. Helps give a lot of different options and fills a need at backup fullback. 🙂
September 4th, 2012 at 6:46 pm
I think Ware as a fullback is the only thing that makes sense of his signing.
September 4th, 2012 at 8:10 pm
Capt. Jean Lafitte , I have always been in favor of cross-training TEs as FBs.
IMO Sullivan wanted a vet third-down back in case the mental aspects of the spot are too much for Martin, at least early-on. Nothing wrong with that.